Alton couple sues Erie Insurance over hail damage claim

An Alton couple claims their insurance company refuses to properly reimburse them for damages caused to their home during a hail storm.

Steven Pope and Kimberly Pope filed a lawsuit April 22 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Erie Insurance Group.

In their complaint, the Popes allege their home at 68 Danforth Road in Alton was significantly damaged in a hail storm April 23, 2013. At the time, they were covered by Erie Insurance Group and requested compensation for their damages, according to the complaint.

On Dec. 10, 2013, Erie denied the couple’s claim, the suit states. The defendant has failed to perform under the agreement by failing to pay the sum of the total limits of liability or coverage provided for in the policy although payment has been demanded by plaintiffs, the complaint says.

The Popes are seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees, costs and other relief the court deems just. They are being represented by Christopher D. Baucom and Laura A. Bentele of Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-613.